Abstract
This in vitro study investigated the effects of different postrinsing times and methods on the surface roughness, surface hardness, and degree of polymerization of materials manufactured via stereolithography (SLA). A total of 288 disk-shaped specimens were manufactured using an SLA three-dimensional (3D) printer. The specimens were randomly divided into nine groups (n = 32) based on rinsing times and methods. The groups were categorized into three rinsing methods: automated, ultrasonic, and hand washing, with rinsing times of 5, 10, and 15 minutes using a 99% isopropanol alcohol as a solvent. Linear roughness (Ra) and area roughness (Sa) were measured using a 3D confocal laser microscopy; the roughness morphology was evaluated by using scanning electron microscopy. Vickers hardness (VHN) tests were performed using a Vickers microhardness tester. Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry was used to determine the degree of conversion of treated specimens. Data were statistically analyzed using two-way analysis of variance. The post hoc Tukey tests were conducted to compare the differences between groups (p < 0.05). The choice of the rinsing time and method affected the surface properties of the SLA photopolymer resin. The 15 minutes of ultrasonic method exhibited the highest Ra scores (0.86 ± 0.1 µm), while the 15 minutes of automated method presented the highest Sa scores (1.77 ± 0.35 µm). For the VHN test, the 15 minutes of ultrasonic method displayed the highest VHN score (18.26 ± 1.03 kgf/mm2). For the degree of polymerization, the 15 minutes of automated method was initially identified as the most effective (87.22 ± 6.80). To facilitate the overall surface roughness, surface hardness, and degree of polymerization, the optimal choice of postprocessing rinsing time and method for achieving a clear photopolymer resin was determined to be the ultrasonic method with a rinsing time of 15 minutes.
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